According to the Boston Herald, the Bruins have already started contract talks with star defenseman Zdeno Chara and center Patrice Bergeron.

Chara and Bergeron each have one-year remaining on their respective contracts and can become unrestricted free agents July 1, 2011.

"I had discussions with (Chara's agent) Matt (Keator) and with Z," Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli told the Herald. "We're going to pick it up again later in the summer. I'd like to try and get a deal done before the start of the season. I had very preliminary discussions with (Bergeron's agent) Kent (Hughes) and we'll also pick that up again later in the summer."

Chara is earning an average of $7.5 million per season, while Bergeron is pulling in $4.75 million per year.

The Herald suggests both players should receive similar salaries once new deals are signed.

[ From the Editor ]Visit David Pagnotta's TWITTER page for frequent comments and updates on free agency.